Amy Wynne loves helping new and experienced painters tap into the beginner’s mindset to foster curiosity and freshness. We sat down with to talk about her teaching style and 2026 workshop in the Cinque Terre, Italy.
How did you start teaching?
I come from a long line of artists and teachers. My parents met in art school…as did my maternal grandparents…my great aunt was a shoe designer for Capezio in the 1940s in NYC…I have her drafting table and my grandmother’s easel…I was lucky enough to have my Mom as my art teacher in high school…I grew up making all sorts of things in her studio. Both of my parents were incredibly generous and well-loved teachers. They deeply inspired me to teach and my first job out of college was teaching art in the East Village in NYC which I absolutely loved!
What is your teaching philosophy?
Everyone has a creative spark within them. For many people this was dimmed in the self-consciousness of middle school or maybe there was an unsupportive teacher. I am so grateful to be a catalyst to help people reignite that spark and joyfully discover the true potential of their creativity.
I was trained classically in painting and drawing so I provide skill-based foundations in many techniques and it is thrilling to witness my students gain confidence in their methods. This is where the adventure of exploring what they really want to communicate with their work begins.
What do you love about teaching?
Teaching is an incredible dialogue that builds confidence and direction. It is a collaboration. I love working with both beginners and more intermediate students. “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.” I try to facilitate the curiosity and freshness that comes with a beginner’s mindset. It is so exciting to facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas and the sharing of techniques that happens with a group of makers, especially in Italy! It is a privilege to share not only what I know technically about materials and methods but also guide artists to source their authentic direction.
Why are you excited about working with Il Chiostro?
I have been leading independent art retreats in southern Tuscany and in New England for many years. When the opportunity to work with Il Chiostro came about I was thrilled to be invited to do what I do best, teach and inspire and leave the expert planning up to them.
What do you hope students get out of the class?
In the adventure of an overseas art workshop, there is the refreshing possibility of opening to the awe and wonder of a new place. The smell of the sea, the sight of colorful cliffside buildings, the sound of the church bells, the feel of the cool turquoise waters and the taste of a crisp vino bianco will all be dimensions of our inspiration. Slowing down and savoring Cinque Terre with our senses open will offer a rich, unforgettable experience. Approaching our daily sketching with this mindset will allow us to work from a process place where the landscape doesn’t have to be daunting. Instead we will find joy and ease as the guided practice unfolds. Deepening our attention to the present moment, will allow us to come away with impressions that will last a lifetime.
What are you looking forward to most during the trip to Italy?
One of my favorite traditions in Italy is the “passeggiata”, an evening stroll when the light turns golden and the shadows lengthen. I love the way people in Italy come out and enjoy this magical time of day together.
Anything else you’d like me to highlight?
I was engaged and married in Italy 25 years ago. I have been returning to paint and sketch there ever since. Sharing my love of sketching in Italy with others is a passion of mine. Please reach out with any questions.
We are thrilled to partner with Amy on a new workshop, The Quick Sketch: Exploring the Cinque Terre with Amy Wynne taking place September 12-19, 2026.
About Amy
Amy Wynne is an artist currently living and working in a historic lace mill in New England. She holds an MFA in Classical Painting from The New York Academy of Art in New York City and a dual BA in Art History & Cultural Anthropology from Smith College.
Amy exhibits in galleries nationally and has work in private and corporate collections, including Brown University, Fidelity Investments, and Meditech Corporation. She has been awarded grants from the Rhode Island Cultural Council and a fellowship from the Vermont Studio Center. Her work is strongly influenced by her deep connection to the natural world, living in Southeast Asia, and Ecofeminist philosophy. She is a long-time yoga practitioner, student of Tibetan Buddhism, and certified meditation and yoga instructor.
She has been passionate about teaching painting and drawing for 30 years, integrating mindfulness and creative practice. Formerly full-time at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, she currently teaches workshops online, across New England, and in Italy. She received the 2015 CE Teacher of Excellence Award from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is the author of many popular online classes with LinkedInLearning.com and CreativeLive.com, which make creativity accessible to all.
“Only when the head and heart work in harmony can we attain our true human potential.” – Jane Goodall
Amy Wynne Artist, Explorer & Catalyst www.amywynne.com
